The auspicious Chhath is going to be celebrated on 29th and 30th October, 2014.

Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival and only Vedic Festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya and Chhathi Maiya (ancient Vedic Goddess Usha). The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes.

The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.

The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vrata), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prasad (prayer offerings) and arghya to the setting and rising sun.

Although it is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern UP and the Terai regions of Nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centres in India. The festival lit up some parts of West Bengal and places in foreign lands like Nepal, Mauritius and Singapore.

With Chhath Puja, an aged old belief is marching forward in the Indian society. It is said that, worshiping Lord Surya during the festival helps one get rid of unusual human diseases and achieve a prosperous life ever after. Therefore the festival is also known as Suryashashthi.